Chapel

Sunday Times Schools Guide 2025 - Independent Secondary School of the Year North West

Welcome to the Chaplaincy 

The Chaplaincy and our spiritual life are important to us as a community at Birkenhead School. We are a welcoming and inclusive community, working alongside students who come from different faith backgrounds. The Chaplaincy here offers support to all on their journey of life and faith.

Tradition is important to us at Birkenhead School and we therefore keep our weekly Chapel services for pupils from Little School through to Sixth Form.  This allows us the chance for congregational hymns, Bible readings, prayers and a homily.  We cover a broad range of topics, from Christian insight into our daily challenges and relationships, through to the search for truth and meaning, as well as the appreciation of the beauty of our world.  Students will contribute to these services with readings or reflections.

Meet our Chaplain - Mrs Bethany Hobbs

Beth oversees spiritual provision for all students, regardless of faith, and plays a vital role in school life. She leads weekly Chapel services, provides a Christian presence on campus, and preaches at our Sunday Evensong Service.

Passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, Beth is committed to the spiritual and emotional well-being of everyone at Birkenhead School. She believes in the importance of faith-based education and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

Contact Information

Beth is available to meet with students, staff, and parents whether they need someone to talk to, spiritual guidance, or support Tuesday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 2.30 PM 

Location: School Chapel 

Email: bah@birkenheadschool.co.uk 

Phone: 0151 652 4014 

Chapel Services

As well as our celebration and worship during the School day, we hold weekly Evensong services on Sunday evenings during term time, and a termly Eucharist service where our renowned choir from Year 5 upwards, lead an act of worship on the behalf of our School community. Here we pray for the work of our teachers, for our students and our world. We also enjoy the company of many of our local clergy who come to support and offer their ministry here.  In addition, we also offer bespoke services of Baptism, Confirmation and Weddings for alumni, staff and students.

CHAPEL SERVICES

Sunday Choral Evensong & Festival Evensong

Evensong services are part of the rich tradition of the Church of England, dating back over 500 years. A service largely sung by our excellent Chapel Choir; this gives the congregation the opportunity to listen to some beautifully-sung choral music and to relax at the eve of the day, therefore setting any cares aside. Members of the congregation can pray to God and reflect what their needs are at the time. The services are led by the School Chaplain, sung by the Chapel Choir and there is a visiting preacher from the local area.

Eucharistic Services

We start the School year with a short early morning service of Holy Communion for all the School community to attend. During the academic year there will be one Eucharistic service per term on a Sunday evening.  All members of the School community and the public can attend.

Christmas Celebrations

As a School, Christmas is an enjoyable time.  Each year group in Prep comes to Chapel to celebrate with their families at this time.  We offer a candlelit service of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is so popular – we have two. The pinnacle of Christmas is the Midnight Mass (Midnight Watch Service/ First Holy Communion of Christmas), all by candle light where we welcome the birth of the baby Jesus.

Easter Celebrations

At this time, the School celebrates Ash Wednesday with a service offered to the whole School Community, which includes the imposition of ashes, for those who wish.

School Services

Each term ends with a Church service for staff and students at our parish Church, St Saviours, Oxton. This is led by the School Chaplain, sung by the Chapel Choir and there is a visiting preacher. This is a formal service of hymns, bible readings, prayers and a sermon.

Confirmation Services

Once a year, candidates for confirmation are presented to one of the Chester Diocesan Bishops for confirmation of faith within the Church of England. This annual service sees the candidates prepared for this Rite of Passage by the School Chaplain.

 

Bespoke Baptism

As a School Chapel, with permission from Chester Diocese, we are able to offer members of our School community a bespoke baptism service, tailored to a family’s needs.  Generally once a term, these services are a special time to welcome those who are baptised into the fellowship of the Church community. These services are by arrangement with the School Chaplain.

Bespoke Weddings

By arrangement with the School Chaplain, it is possible to conduct weddings at the Chapel, of people who have a strong connection to the School.

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